Clear and effective communication has always been a critical factor in achieving success. In today’s constantly changing digital world, a significant trend is revolutionizing how we share information: the increasing use of instant messaging apps and social media platforms to send PDFs.
PDFs stand out for their convenience and versatility as our reliance on digital communication grows. They maintain consistent formatting across devices, making them ideal for sharing everything from official reports and business proposals to educational materials, and creative content. With the ability to add hyperlinks, and multimedia elements, PDFs offer an engaging user experience.
Efficient PDF sharing is mandatory in today’s fast-paced world, where collaboration knows no geographical boundaries. It plays a critical role in the rapid exchange of information, streamlined workflows, and real-time decision-making. Thanks to cloud-based platforms and instant messaging services, efficient file sharing is now more accessible and secure than ever, even for large files.
In order to stay competitive in this modern, fast-paced digital environment, it is vital to adopt efficient methods of sharing files. In this article, we’ll cover the best platforms to send PDFs through, and then we’ll discuss some best practices that will help you prepare your files for sharing.
As you already know, plenty of social media platforms and IM apps are available. All of them are useful and can provide different types of benefits, depending on who is using them and for what purpose. When it comes to the best way to send PDFs via social media or IM apps, the process is somewhat similar. Below, there’s an explicit overview of how you can share PDFs through the most commonly used platforms. But that’s not all, following our guide, you can learn that you can also track your shared PDF documents.
Sending PDFs via SMS may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually a quick and easy way to communicate. Texting is one of the most effective ways to reach people since most individuals have their phones with them all the time. It’s not difficult to send PDFs via text, and it can make communication faster. There are several ways to send PDFs via text message.
It doesn’t matter which type of phone you have if you want to send a PDF through text message, the methods are similar. There are 2 ways you can attach a PDF to your SMS. First, open the messaging app, select your recipient, press add files, select the document you want to send, and send it. Alternatively, go to your iPhone Files folder or File Manager, if using Android. Open the PDF you want to send, press Send File, select the app you want to share your PDF through (in this case, the messaging app), select your contact(s), and press Send.
Note: for Android phones, sending a PDF might only work through MMS.
There might be a few reasons this method doesn’t work:
If you find yourself in one of these situations, don’t worry, there’s a workaround.
If your phone doesn’t allow you to send your PDFs via text because they are too big, you can use a very quick alternative. All you need to do is to convert your PDF into a flipbook. If you’re using a flipbook maker like Flipsnack, the process is extremely simple. Here’s how to do it:
Here’s a video that shows you just how easily you can convert your PDFs into flibpooks that can then be quickly shared on all social platforms.
It’s that easy. And it’s also a lot more secure to send PDFs through text message this way, especially if you have to send sensitive information. Moreover, if you have to send documents to multiple recipients, you might want to use a bulk SMS provider to make the process easier.
A bulk SMS provider can offer more functionality than a conventional messaging app, so sending PDFs via text to multiple recipients doesn’t have to be inconvenient. The process is pretty straightforward once you find a bulk SMS provider. Let’s take a look at how this can be done in an app like BulkSMS:
As you can see, it’s not that hard to send a PDF through text message. But there are more IM and social media platforms available, and they are easier and quicker to use if you want to send PDFs.
WhatsApp is probably one of the most used IM platforms. Whether you’re using it on an Android phone or an iPhone, the process of sending PDFs via WhatsApp is pretty similar. Let’s see how you can do it.
Since the process is the same for both iPhone and Android phones, we decided to group them and just show you the slight differences there are between the two side by side. Here’s how you can send a PDF via WhatsApp:
As you can see, the process of sending PDFs on WhatsApp, including WhatsApp Business on multiple devices, is extremely easy! But there’s a catch: the app has a file size limit. So, if you’re wondering how to send large PDF files on WhatsApp, we’ve got you covered.
If you want to send a PDF file in WhatsApp and the file is too big, you can use the workaround we’ve used above when we discussed how to send PDFs as a link via SMS. Turn your large PDFs into flipbooks and just send the link instead. It’s easier, faster, and more secure, which is crucial for sensitive information.
Another platform constantly used by people is Facebook. There are two ways to share a PDF via Facebook – post it on your wall, or send it via FB Messenger. Let’s explore both.
If you’re wondering how to send PDF files via FB Messenger, you need to know that the process is very simple. There are 2 different ways to send a PDF on FB: using the desktop app, and using the mobile app.
To send a PDF through the desktop app, you will have to:
Alternatively, you can drag and drop the PDF file directly into the recipient’s chat and press Send.
To send a PDF through the mobile app, you will have to:
Alternatively, you can use the Facebook Lite app, following the same steps you would use in the desktop app. Or, you can simply convert your larger PDF into a flipbook and send the link directly without all the hassle.
Now that we have seen how easy it is to send PDF files via FB Messenger, it’s time to see how you can share a PDF via Facebook. Unfortunately, you can’t just upload a PDF on your wall, but there is a workaround you can try. And it’s probably the easiest way to do it.
If you want to share a PDF via Facebook, all you have to do is turn it into a flipbook. It doesn’t matter what size your PDF is. If you convert it into an HTML5 flipbook, you will be able to share it on Facebook immediately. Let’s see how you can do that in Flipsnack:
The benefit of using an app like Flipsnack to convert your PDF into an HTML5 flipbook is that this format allows you to share your large PDFs to your Facebook wall without a problem.
After WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, Telegram is the third most popular IM platform people use to communicate. Sending PDFs via Telegram is pretty straightforward:
If you want to send a PDF through Telegram, follow these steps:
That’s all. But, just like all the other IM apps, Telegram, too, has a file size limit that cannot be exceeded. In case you have a file that is larger than 2MB, follow the instructions below.
Just like you did before, if you want to send a document that’s larger than 2MB on Telegram, you will have to convert your PDF into a flipbook. And you can follow the same steps we’ve used above, the process is always the same. You could also use a QR code generator for PDF, as an alternative sharing solution.
In 2020, over 100 million people were using Skype at least once a month, and around 40 million were using it daily. Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and the number of people using Skype saw a 70% increase. I don’t have the exact numbers for 2023, but it’s estimated that around 36 million people are still using it daily. So how do you send a PDF via Skype?
If you have a document that’s not larger than 300Mb, sending your PDF via Skype is pretty simple:
These are the simple steps you need to take on the desktop app. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your file into the chat window and then press Send.
If you want to send a PDF via Skype but you want to use your phone, things are even simpler because the mobile app online allows you to send pictures, but you can’t attach PDFs. So all you have to do is convert your PDF into a flipbook and just send the link to your intended recipient.
Let’s move on to one of the most popular social media platforms – Instagram. Since almost everyone is on it today, sending a PDF online on Instagram could be a very effective way to communicate. Let’s see how you can share your PDF on Instagram:
Sending a PDF over Instagram Direct Message is very easy, just because you can’t send PDFs as a DM. But you can use the workaround we’ve already discussed before – convert your PDF into a flipbook and just share the link.
Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t allow you to share PDFs at all on their platform. But turning your PDF into a flipbook opens the door to multiple opportunities for you to share your documents on Instagram. Let’s see how you can share them on your Story or your Feed.
Alternatively, you can download your flipbook as a GIF, a PNG, or JPG – Instagram also supports all these formats, and you can use them to share a preview of your PDF on your profile, either on your Feed or on your Story.
Although it decreased in popularity, X is still used by a lot of people, and if you’re still using it and want to know how you can share a PDF on X, you’ll find out below.
First, you need to know that X only allows you to share images, videos and GIFs, so there’s no way you can directly share your PDF. If you use the workaround we’ve discussed, you’ll be able to share your documents just as you did with Instagram. Therefore, follow these simple steps:
Alternatively, you can download your flipbook as a QR code, GIF, a PNG or JPG and post your document like that together with the link to the flipbook.
The last platform we’re covering in this article is LinkedIn. We’ve left the best for last, to be honest, because LinkedIn is the most versatile social media platform available now, especially for businesses. So, let’s get to it and see how you can share your PDFs on LinkedIn.
The most significant difference between LinkedIn and all the other social media platforms we’ve discussed is that it allows you to share PDFs! You can send PDFs on your profile or via direct message, but the files can’t exceed 100MB or 30 pages. So, if this is the case, the steps you need to take are:
Alternatively, if your PDF file is larger than 100MB or 30 pages, you can convert it to a digital flipbook and download it as a QR code, GIF, a PNG, or JPG and post your document like that, just like we previously discussed.
In what concerns sending a PDF on LinkedIn as a direct message, things are even simpler:
Let’s see now how you can do these things on the mobile app.
If you want to share a PDF online using the LinkedIn mobile app, all you have to do is:
If you want to send a private message using the LinkedIn app:
Alternatively, if the PDF files are too big to send over via LinkedIn mobile or browser, you can use the workaround we’ve discussed before.
Now that we have walked through how you can send and share a PDF via IM platforms and social media, it’s time to discuss a few best practices you can follow to have your documents ready to go.
Let’s start with the most common problem users face when it comes to PDF sharing – the file is too big. As previously discussed, all platforms have a size limit that can’t be exceeded. In this case, sending large PDF files via social media or instant messaging apps might prove difficult. Unless you turn them into flipbooks.
In an app like Flipsnack, the file size doesn’t matter. Regardless of PDF size or number of pages, using such an app allows you to convert your PDF into a flipbook that will bring many benefits to a business, and that can be easily shared without fearing size restrictions. Simply copy the link to your flipbook, then paste it into the platform of your choice. This is very easy, so let’s move on to something more serious – keeping your files secure whilst sharing them on social media.
Now that you have converted your PDF into flipbooks, let’s also talk about how you can keep them safe. As you know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses have gone online, making it essential to have tools that allow secure sharing of documents. However, as the digital landscape expands, so does the potential for security threats. This brings forth the need for robust measures to protect sensitive information within PDF files. Whether financial records or legal documents, ensuring privacy and the unaltered state of these files has become essential.
In an era where information is a valuable asset, addressing the gravity of this concern involves adopting advanced encryption techniques, secure storage solutions, and vigilant monitoring to fortify the overall security of PDF documents. Therefore, finding a tool that will offer all these features is essential, and Flipsnack does that and more. If you’re wondering what steps you can take to protect your document better when you want to share a PDF online, here are a few steps you can take:
Another best practice to consider when sharing PDFs online is following the platform’s guidelines. It is crucial to demonstrate a profound respect for the rules established by these platforms while simultaneously safeguarding the privacy of the content you intend to share. Across various social media and instant messaging platforms, users are usually provided with explicit guidance on the type of content they can or cannot distribute online.
Take, for instance, Facebook’s guidelines, which explicitly caution users against sharing content that involves nudity, hate speech, violent or graphic material, and other potentially objectionable content. By conscientiously following these guidelines, you not only contribute to an overall positive online experience but also ensure that your shared document aligns with the platform’s standards, fostering a safer and more constructive digital environment for all users. You can check SocialThink for more information and the latest trends regarding social media platforms.
In conclusion, efficient file sharing is necessary in this fast-paced, globally connected world. As we explored various platforms to send PDFs, it’s evident that adapting to modern methods is essential. And challenges such as file size limitations often need creative solutions.
Platforms like Flipsnack provide a workaround for sharing large PDFs securely. Converting PDFs into flipbooks not only overcomes size restrictions but also adds layers of security. Password protection, watermarking, and control over document interactions ensure the confidentiality and integrity of shared content. Furthermore, adhering to platform guidelines is crucial. Respecting rules set by social media and messaging platforms contributes to a positive online experience and aligns with standards, creating a safer digital environment.
In a world where communication evolves rapidly, embracing efficient PDF-sharing practices and staying informed about platform guidelines are key to successful and secure information exchange. So, whether you’re sending a business proposal, educational material, or interactive content, optimizing your PDF-sharing methods ensures a seamless and secure communication process.
This site uses cookies to improve your online experience, allow you to share content on social media, measure traffic to this website and display customised ads based on your browsing activity.
Privacy Policy